Six men arrested in human trafficking case in southern Illinois

CARBONDALE, Illinois – Authorities arrested six men earlier this week in connection with human trafficking in southern Illinois.

The Illinois State Police led the operation May 22-23 to crack down on commercial sex acts. The focus of the operation was Carbondale, Illinois and the surrounding communities.

ISP reports that the following six men were arrested…

• Marlin Kellum (28) – Murphysboro, IL
• Charles Kemp (46) – West Frankfort, IL
• Kyler McGee (23) – Anna, IL
• Justin Phoenix (29) – Shiloh, IL
• Scott Strudwick (35) – Murphysboro, IL
• Robert Wilson (32) – Carbondale, IL

Each of these men was charged with indecent contact with a child, traveling to meet a child and soliciting a meeting with a child.

According to ISP, the operation was part of a “multi-pronged approach” aimed at stopping human trafficking. Multiple agencies, including the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, as well as the Centralia Police Department and the Salem Police Department, assisted ISP in the operation.

If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, email [email protected], or click here for additional resources.